Media and Press
Doug Fleener is a coach, speaker, and author of Start With What If—a book about how two simple words can change your perspective and what’s possible. He is also the creator of The What If Rule, a simple and powerful framework for creating better perspectives and options in any situation.
Doug’s work and insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Business Insider, along with numerous podcasts, leadership publications, and conferences.
He is available for:
Interviews and podcast appearances
Articles and expert commentary
Television or video segments
Speaking inquiries
Media Contact:
If you’re on deadline or looking to book Doug for an upcoming story, please call or text 617-340-9041 or use the contact form below.
Doug as Your Media Guest or Expert
Doug Fleener’s story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of real change. After years of struggle with addiction and self-doubt, Doug rebuilt his life from the inside out. That journey shaped his belief that transformation begins with one simple question: What if?
As the author of Start With What If and The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life), and the creator of The What If Rule, Doug helps people see challenges, habits, and everyday moments in a new light. His insights are practical, hopeful, and deeply human—showing how anyone can create better perspectives and possibilities starting today.
Doug has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Business Insider, and is a powerful guest for conversations about personal growth, mindset, recovery, and how small shifts in thinking can change a life.
Suggested Interview Topics
The What If Rule: How two simple words can immediately change your perspective and what’s possible
You’re One Action Away: Why real change starts with one small, intentional move
The Power of Daily Decisions: Lessons from The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life) on how small choices shape a life
From Addiction to Intention: Doug’s personal journey of rebuilding through purpose and perspective
Why Confidence Isn’t the Starting Point: How action creates belief, not the other way around
When Life Feels Stuck: Using What If questions to turn setbacks into forward motion
Recent Media & Press Highlights
Business Insider: Book excerpt. read
Beyond the Crucible: Getting Sober Saved His Life and Gave Him a Model to Follow Living It watch
Extrology Podcast: Taking responsibility is a superpower watch
DayOne: Streak Stories: 270 Days with Doug Fleener read
Money for Lunch Podcast: Drug Addict Turned CEO listen
Built In: Did You Goof Up at Work? Then Own Up. read
The Job Interview Experience: Take Responsibility for Your Job Search, Learn from Setbacks, Focus on 3 Things a Day watch
Authority Magazine: Interview on Operational Scalability read
Business Radio X: Author and Coach Doug Fleener listen
Build a Better Agency: Core principles to help agency owners own their day with intentionality with Doug Fleener listen
